Duke, NC

I saw two intriguing statistics in this recent MSN article about city growth.

• Raleigh now has a population of 403,892 according to the 2010 US Census
• Raleigh's population increased more than 62% since 2000

I can completely understand the draw to the Raleigh area, (Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill) and here's why.....

Raleigh, the Capital City of North Carolina, remains one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

 

2011 Business Awards

 

• #2 World’s Best Multinational Workplace:  SAS (Cary, NC) SAS secured the No. 2 spot on the elite “Top 25 World’s Best Multinational Workplaces” inaugural list from Great Place to Work®. SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, was highlighted among the best for health care, child care and work-life balance. SAS CEO Jim Goodnight said, “While we are delighted to receive this recognition, as a business leader I am most honored to know that the ranking is based on the feedback of our own employees around the world. We simply try to trust and respect people. Everything we do grows out of that philosophy. The real reward is what employees give back to the company and our customers.”

 

•  #1 Best Places for Business and Careers – Forbes Magazine – July 2011 Forbes Magazine notes that: Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks” for its many oak trees. The capital city is part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, one of the country’s largest and most successful research parks and a major center in the U.S. for high-tech and biotech research. The surrounding area is home to a number of colleges and universities including Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University. These schools have a notable economic impact on the area. The North Carolina Museum of Art, occupying a large suburban campus on Blue Ridge Road near the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, maintains one of the premier public art collections located between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta

 

• Raleigh Number Two on Forbes List for Best Cities for Young Professionals and Next Big Boom Town – July 2011 The presence of well-educated students from around the country points to both a concentration of talent, and a strong network of career-minded young people.

 

• Raleigh Is Picked to Sustain Top Ten Population Status — June 2011 Raleigh is situated to be among America’s 10 largest population gainers in the coming decade, according to data analysis firm ProximityOne. The firm’s estimates take into account results from the 2010 U.S. Census, as well as historical birth, death, migration and economic data.

 

• Nation’s Most Sustainable Mid-Size Community — April 2011The U.S. Chamber of Commerce lauded Raleigh with its 2011 Siemens Sustainable Community award for “a range of factors including its commitment to developing a ‘green economy.”‘ Specifically cited was the City of Raleigh’s work-force development program to retrain workers with the sills needed to make them more employable in the green economy. Also noted was Raleigh’s leadership in creating the blueprint for infrastructure to accommodate plug-in electric vehicles. Raleigh won the award for mid-sized communities: population range 50,000 to 500,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Education

In addition, Raleigh boasts of a large education hub:  North Carolina State University, Shaw University, St. Augustine’s College, Meredith College, Wake Technical College Main Campus, Wake Technical College North Campus, Peace College and Wake County Public Schools Enrollment of over 143,250 students (2010-11).

Also in nearby Durham is Duke and North Carolina Central universities.  Chapel Hill is one of the local campus' of University of North Carolina.

Medical

Of all the 19 medical hospitals in the Raleigh Durham area, many have been top rated by US News and World Report

• Duke University 
• University of North Carolina Hospitals
• Wake Med Health and Hospitals
• Durham Regional Hospital
• Rex Healthcare
• Duke Raleigh Hospital

Children's Hospitals

• Duke University Medical Center
• Duke Raleigh Hospital

 

It's no wonder with all that is offered in the surrounding areas, plus median home prices around $228,000, that many are flocking to the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area of North Carolina.

It really it is a fantastic area to live, work and raise your family.

(As originally seen on Amy Shair Durham Real Estate's blog). I read an interesting article about real estate trends. They mentioned WINKs - Women with Income and No Kids.

Do you know any WINKs? The article predicts that by 2015 40% of Gen Y households will be WINKs.

Gen Y are people born between 1981-1999. The article goes on to say that this group is responsible for trends such as walk-in closets and easy access to the laundry area of a home. I think that is a stretch - I mean who doesn't want a walk-in closet and a convenient laundry area?

The thing that interested me most about the article (besides learning what a WINK is) is that their housing preferences are very similiar to others. They want safety, walkability to shopping and restaurants, easy access to gym facilities, and opportunities to socialize.

To summarize, don't think I'm crazy if I market your home to a WINK buyer, and if you're investing for resale, remember that McMansions out in the country are out and practical but attractive homes are in!

If you have any questions about WINK or other real estate matters, give me a call at (919) 818-5001. Call Amy for your Shair of the market.

We all know someone who has served our military and we are very grateful for their sacrifice. Thank You is the greatest thing we can say to a Veteran.

Some business' are showing their Veterans appreciation by offering free or discount meals. (This information is from www.themilitarywallet.com)

2011 Veteran’s Day Free Meals and Discounts

Two notes before jumping in:

• Proof of Military Service. First, most companies require some form of military ID – including a U.S. Uniform Services ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may only require a photo of you in uniform, or go by the honor system.
• Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

2011 Free Veterans Day Meals

Applebee’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11: Last year, Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations at http://applebees.com/.

Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available from 11am – 5pm on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Denny’s Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Nov. 11. 2011. Free Grand Slam breakfast to any veteran. Participating markets include select diners in Maryland, Virginia, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Indiana, Colorado and Washington, DC (from 6:00am – 2:00pm), as well as the following New York locations: Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo areas (from 6:00am – 10:00pm). Call ahead to verify, and check with your local Denny’s if you live in another area. Source.

Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 14: The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals and contributed over $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Harris Teeter – 11/11/11 Promotion to Honor Veterans

Harris Teeter offers 11% discount on Friday 11/11/11/. On Veterans Day, any active duty military personnel or veteran will receive 11% off your purchase at Harris Teeter. Must show form of military ID and VIC card to receive discount. Discount applies after all coupons and VIC discounts are deducted. Excludes alcohol, tobacco, tickets and gift cards. http://www.harristeeter.com/promotions/veterans_day_discount.aspx

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

Little Caesars® Pizza. Little Caesars is honoring the men and women of the United States armed forces this Veterans Day by providing veterans and active military members with a free Crazy Bread® with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide. Find a location near you.

Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit, http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx.

The Outback understands commitment. For the past two years, The Outback, with the help of their patrons, has donated $2 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, wounded warriors and their families.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub, November 11, 2011. Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a FREE six inch sub or flatbread to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. This offer is valid only on November 11, 2011 at participating local SUBWAY® restaurants, Military ID or proof of service required. Note: SUBWAY® Restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead for participation and times.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11. Valid for all US Military personnel and veterans. Must wear uniform (if permitted by your service) or present military ID or other proof of service. Only valid at participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. More details on TGIFridays.com.

The Olive Garden, Free entrée. Offer good for veterans and active duty military, on Friday, November 11th during regular business hours. Chose from a special menu; all entrées inlcude freshly baked garlic sticks and choice of soup or salad. Off er good in US and Canada, proof of service required. More info.

Home Depot and Lowe’s Military Coupon Updates

Update: Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.

Home Depot Military Discount: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% military discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online.

Lowe’s Military Discount: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com.

Veteran’s Day Discounts – Retail Stores & More

Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.

• Amazon.com – Free MP3 album download “Veterans Day Honor” This free downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon now through Veteran’s Day to download the album for free (album will be full price again starting Nov. 12).

• Big Lots – 10% off your entire purchase with valid military ID. more info.
  

• Cabela’s. Cabela’s is giving their standard employee discount to all US military veterans, active duty military, Guard/Reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on Nov. 10-11. Discount varies from 5% to 20%, depending on the item.

• Dollar General. 10% discount on entire purchase on Veteran’s Day. Offer good for all active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Guard/Reserve, & immediate family members. The coupon can be found in the store circular, or by asking an employe. Also good online from Nov 11-13, use Coupon Code VETERANSDAY. More info.
  

• Free Business Cards and Checks. Get 25 FREE Checks – Choose from 6 different designs or upgrade to premium checks and choose from many more designs. Bonus Offer – Get 250 Free Business Cards! FREE Checks & Business Cards offer.

• K-Mart. Exclusive Early Veterans Day Sale – Nov. 10th! EXTRA 5-10% off Almost Everything with coupon code VETERANSDAY. Friday & Saturday Specials + EXTRA 5-15% off & FREE Shipping orders of $49 with coupon code HOLIDAY.
  

• Netflix: Netflix – One Month Free Trial.
  

• Sport Clips – Veterans Day National cut-a-thon and Help A Hero program. Sport Clips is the official haircutter of the VFW and will donate $1 from every haircut during the National Cut-a-Thon to VFW’s Operation Uplink, which provides free phone time to active-duty military personnel and hospitalized veterans. Sports Clips stores also offer a offer a Heroes discount which includes active and retired military. Find a location near you.

Be sure to pass this list onto all of the Veterans you know as a small token of THANKS!